Neo-Classicism 1720-1827

NEO-CLASSICISM1720-1827

Neo-Classicism is called the ”Classical” style in music.

A rejection of excesses, the monarchy and ornamentation of Baroque.

A return to order, reason and clarity in art work.

Wanted to instill democratic ideas in the government.

CHARACTERISTICS OF NEO-CLASSICISM

In Europe Classical ballet was still the theatrical dance of the aristocrats (wealthy)

American settlers brought dances from their homeland. jigs, clogs and court dances like the minuet.

Our founding fathers entertained in the New Republic with fancy balls that included: quadrilles, cotillions, reels and jigs.

DANCE - NEO-CLASSICISM

Started in France in the mid 1600s.

The plot structure was important.

Ideas came from Ancient play scripts.

By 1600 most parts of Europe, used ancient ideas for theatre.

The “Three Unities” Theory:unity of time

(24hrs)unity of place

(1 place)unity of action

(1 plot)

DRAMA/THEATRE - NEO-CLASSICISM

Comic techniques to show foolish behavior of human beings.

French playwright Moliere (1622-1673)

Moliere’s plays are influenced by the physical comedy tradition of Commedia.

Use of “stock” characters

Examples: Tartuffe The Doctor in Spite

of Himself

SATIRE

Jonathan Swift (1667-17450 Born in Ireland known for his satirical writings

Gulliver’s Travels A man who travels to other societies and learns about

different cultures Satire on English Govt.

A Modest Proposal The overpopulation of poor children in Ireland.

Swift suggests eating the children

LITERATURE

The Classical time period was a time of development for the symphony.

As the middle class got more money they began to attend music events.

Music had to appeal to the upper and middle classesMelodies were more simple and easier for the less-

educated audience to understand.

MUSIC - CLASSICAL

Written for an orchestra.There are four movements:

Movement One - has a fast tempo Movement Two: slower in tempo with a lyrical melody.

Movement Three: is a minuet. The minuet was a popular dance of the day like a waltz

Movement Four: faster tempo and concludes the piece.

A complete symphony can take 30 minutes

SYMPHONIES

Born in Vienna, AustriaWrote secular (non-religious) music. Was famous while aliveWrote 104 symphonies

“Farewell” Symphony, players leave the stage “Surprise” Symphony, sudden loud chords (wake people up)

London Symphony Menuetto: Allegretto. Symphony no. 104 in D Major .

Sounds seem to represent common landmarks in London, England.

JOSEPH HAYDN (1732-1809)

Born in Austria. Musical genius.Composing piano concertos by age 4, symphonies by

age 6 and operas by age 11. The most well know composer in Western music today.Mozart reflected the ideas and philosophies of the

Enlightenment The Marriage of Figaro (opera), the servants are the heroes,

reflect the growing influence in society of the middle class. Simple melodies would reflect the hope of the human

spirit. Piano Concerto no. 22 in E-flat, Third Movement.

WOLFGANG AMADEUS MOZART (1756-1791)

Born in Germany, His fiery personality, troubled childhood and his

deafness were reflected in his music. His compositions expressed great sadness or great

joy.He wanted people to feel the height of joy or the

depth of despair, because that is how he experienced life.

His music was autobiographical. Symphony no. 5, First Movement

Beethoven Brainpop

LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN (1770-1827)

Rejection from Baroque style and the excesses of the monarchy

Influenced from art of the Renaissance and Classical Greece and Rome.

Concern was for the middle class and ordinary life.Subject matter focused on equality and ideals.Artists and architects went to Italy and Greece to

study Classical sculptures and buildings.They used Classical features to express their ideas on

reason, democracy, and patriotism,

VISUAL ART-NEO-CLASSICAL

Born in FranceLived through the

French RevolutionTraveled to Rome

and made sketches of Classical Greek and Roman sculptures.

Painted The Oath of the Horatii, the first Neoclassical painting

French Rev propaganda Propaganda-

influence someone’s opinion

The Death of Marat and The Death of Socrates were propaganda.

JACQUES-LOUIS DAVID (1748-1825)

THE OATH OF THE HORATII, 1784

THE DEATH OF MARAT, 1793

NAPOLEON IN HIS STUDY, 1812

Jefferson was a “Renaissance man.”-politics farmer, inventor, and an architect.

Public buildings should reflect the ideals of our nation; democracy.

Admired the Renaissance, Classical Greek, and Roman architecture liked the Maison Carree, and used it as inspiration for the design

of the Virginia State Capitol.

THOMAS JEFFERSON- 3R D PRESIDENT (1743-1826)

Maison Carree- Paris, France Virginia State Capitol

JEFFERSON ARCHITECTURE

Pantheon- Rome, Italy University of Virginia Rotunda

INSPIRED BY CLASSICAL ROMAN ARCHITECTURE

Villa Rotunda Vicenza, Italy Monticello, Virginia